Upcoming Hot, Dry Weather Cause for Concern

Hot weather is on the way and that has firefighters very concerned about wildfires in the valley. Especially when the hot weather is coupled with the threat of fireworks.

Deputy Chief Alan Walker with Fire District Five in the Lower Valley says please be careful because you could start a big fire.

“It may look damp out there but the grasses are very dry and just a small spark could cause a big fire.”

Fireworks are banned in the City of Yakima and many other cities up and down the valley. Walker says make sure to check with your city to make sure if fireworks are legal. He says they're concerned about fires on the Yakima Reservation.

The department is working closely with the tribe hoping that for 2014 a safe zone can be created where people could gather and light off fireworks legally and safely.